Tichenor, DanHallam, Sophie2024-08-302024https://hdl.handle.net/1794/3004894 pagesThis thesis investigates Generation Z as a unique political cohort which is working to reshape the United States’ political landscape as more members age into voting. This thesis examines three core topics related to Generation Z and democratic politics: Fi rst, it investigates the similarities and differences between the political attitudes of Generation and other generations. Second, it delves into the ways which Generation Z utilizes social media as a political tool and how political leaders have adapted to this change in political expression and information dissemination. Finally, this thesis explores the impact of social media on the political engagement and activism of Generation Z surrounding important issues including climate change, gun violence, and racial justice and examines if this activism translates to voting mobilization. The evidence and conclusions within this thesis reflect research insights from survey and social media data, original interviews with nine politicians from Arizona and Oregon, and careful analysis of existing scholarly research and literature on the topic.en-USCC BY-NC-ND 4.0Generation ZDigital activismPolitical expressionPolarizationPolitical echo chamberThesis/Dissertation0009-0004-1011-8894